In Shackleton’s Footsteps | Douglas Mawson

Upon arrival in Ushuaia, you'll be transferred to your designated pre-voyage hotel. If you're already in Ushuaia, please make your way to the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the hospitality desk in the hotel lobby to collect luggage tags. The team will provide details about embarkation day, answer any questions, and share information on dining options or places to buy last-minute items. The rest of the day is free for you to relax.

After breakfast and check-out, enjoy the day at leisure, and then meet at the hotel lobby or a nearby meeting point to be transferred to the pier for embarkation.

Once onboard, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin before attending mandatory briefings. As the ship departs, enjoy spectacular views of Ushuaia and Tierra del Fuego from the deck. In the evening, join a welcome dinner to celebrate the start of your Antarctic adventure.

Explore the onboard amenities, including the gym, wellbeing centre, and library. The expedition team will host presentations on Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and environment to enhance your experience. You’ll also attend briefings on biosecurity, wildlife-watching, and Zodiac safety in preparation for your first Antarctic landing.

On day four, excitement builds as you approach the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, with everyone eager to spot their first iceberg. Now south of the Antarctic Convergence, the ocean's character changes, with penguins and icebergs all around. The sight of your first iceberg will be unforgettable.

Arriving in Antarctica is a truly unforgettable experience, marked by the sight of your first iceberg and the refreshing, crisp air. Once there, you’ll explore the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands, with a variety of options to choose from each day. Your expert expedition team will adjust plans based on weather, ice conditions, and wildlife sightings.

Dress warmly for Zodiac cruises around stunning ice cliffs, grounded icebergs, and to spot whales, seals, and penguins. Zodiacs will also take you ashore to visit penguin rookeries, historic huts, and other scenic spots along the peninsula.

On land, you’ll have opportunities to hike along pebbly beaches or snow-covered ridgelines, enjoying views of towering mountains and icy seas.

In addition to Zodiac excursions, you may cruise through narrow straits or scenic bays to admire icebergs and capture the breathtaking landscapes. The observation lounge and bridge (open at the captain's discretion) offer perfect spots for uninterrupted views. Listen for the sounds of glaciers as they break off into the sea and take a quiet moment to marvel at the pristine beauty of Antarctica.

The Weddell Sea is famously tied to Sir Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. In 1914, Shackleton and his crew of 27 set sail to cross Antarctica, but their ship, the Endurance, became trapped in the sea ice, ending their plans. This marked the start of an extraordinary journey, making Shackleton's voyage one of the most celebrated in polar history.

The Weddell Sea is a remote and coveted destination for polar explorers. Your journey begins at the Antarctic Peninsula's northernmost point in the stunning Antarctic Sound, where volcanic peaks rise above penguin colonies, and icebergs drift through channels leading into the Weddell Sea.

As you venture eastward, you'll explore the Weddell Sea's vast sea ice and tabular icebergs, home to crabeater seals, Weddell seals, and various seabirds like storm petrels and Antarctic cormorants. Take time on deck to observe these wildlife species, attracted by the rich Antarctic krill.

While traveling, consider the historical significance of the seas you're sailing. Near here, in March 2022, the wreck of Shackleton’s Endurance was discovered largely intact, just 6.4 km (4 miles) from where Captain Worsley last saw it in 1915.

Today, we head towards Elephant Island, where 22 of Shackleton’s men endured several harsh winter months under two upturned boats. In the morning, join your expedition team for a lecture on Shackleton's remarkable story. His men spent 9 months trapped in the Weddell Sea ice and another 6 months camping on drifting ice before attempting a daring escape in three open boats. After battling severe conditions, they reached Elephant Island, a rugged, ice-covered part of the South Shetland Islands, after 497 days at sea.

We plan to sail past Cape Valentine, where Shackleton's men first landed over 100 years ago, and continue along the coast to Point Wild, where they survived their bitter winter under the boats, awaiting rescue.

After an action-packed time in Antarctica, enjoy a more relaxed pace as you sail toward South Georgia.

As you cross the Scotia Sea, you're following the path taken by Shackleton and five men when they sailed from Elephant Island in search of rescue. In their small wooden boat, the James Caird, they spent 17 days navigating this treacherous sea, ultimately reaching King Haakon Bay on South Georgia’s west coast. This remarkable journey remains one of the greatest feats of maritime navigation and survival.

During the voyage, the onboard lecture program continues with engaging talks on South Georgia’s wildlife, geology, and history. Alternatively, unwind with a leisurely lunch, a gym session, or a book from the polar library.

The Scotia Sea is rich in wildlife, including fin, humpback, and blue whales, with opportunities to spot orcas and other sea creatures. On deck, watch for cape petrels, prions, and albatross soaring gracefully above the waves.

As you sail, Shackleton’s extraordinary voyage is always in the back of your mind.

As you approach South Georgia, think of Captain James Cook, who mistook it for the northern tip of a vast southern continent in 1775. In reality, it's a small island, 176 km (110 miles) long, with a 3,000-meter snow-capped mountain range, vast wildlife colonies, and a fascinating human history. The island offers incredible natural beauty and historical significance.

Jagged peaks rise as you approach, with seabirds soaring around the ship. Sail along the coast to take in the stunning glaciated scenery, sheltered from the westerly winds. Explore the coastline via Zodiac, seeking penguins, seal colonies, and bird cliffs, and keep an eye out for kelp forests, mesmerizing underwater ecosystems.

Zodiacs will also take you ashore to visit some of the world’s largest king penguin colonies, walk among seals, and explore pebbled streams and grassy plains. You'll also visit the remains of whaling stations and pay respects at the final resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose remarkable survival journey is tied to the island.

Additionally, Zodiac cruises might take you through fjords with towering cliffs and dramatic glacier fronts, offering great opportunities for scenic views from the observation lounge. For Shackleton enthusiasts, the optional hike from Fortuna Bay to Stromness follows his iconic route, ending at the abandoned whaling station. If conditions permit, you may hike the final section of this historic traverse.

As we depart South Georgia, enjoy the sight of seabirds skillfully riding the ship’s air currents.

As we head toward Ushuaia, take the opportunity to relax on deck, use onboard facilities, or attend final lectures. This is a perfect time to savor the beauty of the Southern Ocean, share a drink with fellow travelers, and reflect on your unforgettable journey.

On the final night, celebrate with a special Captain’s farewell dinner. We hope you'll share your experience with others, becoming advocates for Antarctica's conservation and inspiring future generations to visit and protect this extraordinary region.

In the early morning, we cruise through the Beagle Channel and dock quietly in Ushuaia. Bid farewell to your expedition team and fellow travelers as you continue on your respective journeys, likely with a renewed appreciation for the power of nature.

Note: We recommend not booking flights departing Ushuaia before 12:00 pm on disembarkation day to account for potential delays.